Endotracheal tube clamp

ABSTRACT

A disposable clamp for holding an endotracheal tube or the like during use comprises a pair of superimposed wafer-like clamping members formed with complementary cut-away portions to define an aperture for receiving the tube. The members provide respective pairs of parallel upstanding walls of sawtooth profile which engage one another to prevent separation of the clamping members. The members are retained in superimposed relation by means of interfitting dovetail or equivalent formations. When assemled, the clamping members can be separated only by breaking one of the clamping members, for which purpose a line of easy fracture is provided.

Q United States Patent 1191 1111 3,760,81 1 Andrew Sept. 25, 1973 [5ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE CLAMP 3,566,873 3/1971 Melges 128/346 e o DanielEdward Andrew, Waterloo 3,602,227 8/1971 Andrew 128/351 Ontario, CanadaFOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [22] Filed, Jan 20 1971 1,534,916 6/1968France 128/346 [21] Appl. No.: 108,158 Primary Examiner-Channing L. PaceRelated Us Application Data Attorney-Arne I. Fors, Frank 1. Piper, JamesT. Wilb d B Th [63] Continuation-impart of Set. NO. 843,020, July 18, man orpe 1969, P t. N 3,602,227.

3 57 ABSTRACT [30] Foreign A li ati P i it D t A disposable clamp forholding an endotracheal tube or Jan. 20 1970 Canada 072534 the likeduring use compises a Pair of superimposed wafer-like clamping membersformed with complemen- 52 us. (:1. 128/351 24/263 R 128/346 my wmwayPom)ns define apcrmre receiv- [51] Int C| A61m 25/02, A611, 16/00 A44b21/00 ing the tube. The membersprovide respective pairs of 58 Field 6:Search 24/263 P 263 PR Parallel upstanding walls sawwoth which 24/2631282346 gage one another to prevent separation of the clamping members.The members are retained in superimposed 5 References Cited relation bymeans of interfitting dovetail or equivalent formations. When assemled,the clamping members UNITED STATES PATENTS can be separated only bybreaking one of the clamping 1.240.527 9/1917 A116 24/263 R members, fwhich purpose a line f easy fracture is 2,908,269 10/1959 Cheng 128/351X provided $039,469 6/1962 Fountain 128/351 3.510.923 5/1970 Blake128/346 X 4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTED3EP25|975 3.76081 1 SHEEI1 0F 2 INVENTOR. DANIEL E. ANDREW @Mw Agtut PATENTED8EP25|975 3,760.81 1

SHEET 2 OF 2 6 5 INVENTOR.

DANIEL E. ANDREW Agent ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE CLAMP This is acontinuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 843,020 filedJuly 18, 1969, now US. Pat. 3,602,227 dated. Aug. 31, 1971.

This invention relates to a disposable clamp for holding an endotrachealtube in a set position during use. When an endotracheal tube is appliedto a patient, it is most important that the tube be positionedaccurately and maintained in the set position for the duration of use.In general it is necessary to clamp the tube in position by means whichengage the tube and encircle the patients neck.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such a clampingdevice which is simple to apply and safe during use.

An endotracheal tube clamp according to the present invention comprisesa pair of cooperating clamping members which securely clamp the tubebetween them, the clamping members being constructed so as to engage oneanother in a manner which prevents their release. One of the clampingmember is formed with a line of weakness to permit the member to bebroken when it becomes necessary to release the clamp. In this wayaccidental separation of the members is prevented.

Essentially, the clamp comprises a pair of U-shaped clamping memberseach having a yoke portion and a pair of longitudinally extendingparallel limb portions, and means for securing an attachment band to theclamping members, the clamping members being superimposed to definebetween the yoke portions and limb portions thereof an aperture forreceiving the endotracheal tube, each clamping member defining a pair oflongitudinally extending wall portions positioned to engage the pair oflongitudinally extending wall portions of the other clamping member, forretaining the members in superimposed relationship, each clamping memberdefining at least one longitudinally extending wall portion of sawtoothprofile positioned to engage the corresponding wall portion of the otherclamping member for preventing release of the clamping members, and oneof the clamping members being formed with a line of weakness to permitsaid one member to be broken readily in order to separate the clampingmembers.

Three embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example inthe accompanying drawings. In the drawings: 1

FIG. I is a general perspective view of the first clamping device, theclamping members being separated and positioned ready to engage anendotracheal tube;

FIG. 2 illustrates the clamping device firmly engaging the endotrachealtube;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates the methodof separating the clamping members; 1

FIG. 5 is a general perspective view of a second em-- bodiment of myclamping device, partly broken away;

FIG. 6 is a general perspective view of a third embodiment of myclamping device; and

FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6.

With reference to FIG. 1, the first embodiment of my disposable clampingdevice for securely holding an endotracheal tube 1 comprises a firstU-shapedclamping member 2 and a second U-shaped clamping member 3,

each clamping member being a one-piece moulding of plastics material.The member 2 consists of a yoke portion 4, a pair of longitudinallyextending parallel limb portions 5,6 a projection 7 integral with theupper surface 8 of the yoke portion 4, and a projecting tab 9 at oneedge for securing one end of an attachment band 10. The attachment band10 is a tape or the like adapted to be passed around the back of thepatients head in the manner known in the art.

The second clamping member 3 consists of a yoke portion 11, a pair oflongitudinally extending parallel limb portions 12,13 and a projection14 of dovetail cross section integral with the lower surface of the yokeportion 11. A projection tab 30 is provided for securing the attachmentband 10. A pair of longitudinally extending channels 15,16 on the upperand lower surfaces of the yoke portion 11 define a line of weaknesswhich permits the clamping member to be readily broken.

The two clamping members are adapted to be superimposed, as shown mostcleary in FIG. 2, so as to define between the yoke portions and limbportions thereof an aperture 17 for receiving the endotracheal tube 1,the members being longitudinally slidable one over the other so as toshorten the aperture and firmly grip the tube 1. Separation ofthe-clamping members is prevented by means of an interfitting dovetailformation provided by the dove-tail projection 14 and a pair oflongitudinally extending walls 18,19 of complementary dovetail form atthe inner edges of the limb portions 5 and 6.

The projection 7 defines a pair of longitudinally extending walls 20,21of sawtooth profile, which are positioned to engage a correspondinglyprofile pair of walls 22,23 defined by the inner edges of the limbportions 12,13 of the second clamping member. To assemble the clampingmembers the walls 18,19 are engaged with the dovetail projection 14, thelatter defining a pair of retaining edges or walls for retaining thelimb portions 5,6 and the walls 20,21 are engaged with the walls 22,23.The sawtooth profiles of the latter are arranged so that the teeth canslide over one another, by virtue ofthe resilience of the limb portions12,13 as the clamping members are closed together, but so that theclamping members cannot be moved apart.

It will therefore be seen that the clamp illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3cannot be unfastened except by breaking the clamping member 3 along itsline of weakness as illustrated in FIG. 4.

It is apparent that numerous modifications may be made to theillustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

In one such modification, the two clamping members are substantiallysimilar, the projections 7 and 14 both being of dovetail cross sectionand defining side walls of sawtooth profile, these walls beingengageable with walls of corresponding dovetail formation and sawtoothprofile defined by the inner edges of the limb portrons.

In another modification, the projection 14 instead of being of dovetailcross section is formed with a flange lying parallel to the lowersurface of clamping member 3 and adapted to engage the lower surface ofclamping member 2. 1

In yet another modification, the projection 14 on clamping member 3 isomitted, and the mutually engageable pairs of walls 20,21 and 22,23 areshaped to provide the necessary dovetail formation or equivalent.

Referring again to FIG 1, it will be apparent that there is no necessityfor both walls of each pair 20,21 and 22,23 to be of sawtooth profile;it is sufficient that the walls of at least one mutually engageable pairbe of sawtooth profile for the purpose described.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the second clamping device is basically similarto the first clamping device described above, and corresponding partsthereof are denoted by the same reference numerals as are used in FIG.1, but are primed.

The clamping device comprises a first U-shaped clamping member 2 and asecond U-shaped clamping member 3', each clamping member being aone-piece moulding of plastics material. The member 2 consists of a yokeportion 4', a pair of longitudinally extending parallel limb portions5',6' a projection 7 integral with the upper surface 8' of the yokeportion 4, and a projecting tab 9 for securing one end of an attachmentband 10'.

The second clamping member 3' consists of a yoke portion 11', a pair oflongitudinally extending parallel limb portions l2',13 a projection 14integral with the lower surface of the yoke portion 11', and aprojecting tab 30' for securing the other end of the attachment band 10.The two clamping members fit together to provide a circular aperturewherein the endotracheal tube 1' is received and gripped.

In the present example, a transverse line of weakness 15 is formedacross the second clamping member, the line of weakness to intersect theaperture 17 for receiving the tube 1. The projection 7 is of dovetailcross-section and engages a pair of longitudinally extending walls ofcomplementary dovetail form at the inner edges of the limb portions ofthe second clamping member. The projection 14', however, is notdovetailed, and defines a pair of longitudinally extending walls ofsawtooth profile, which are positioned to engage a correspondinglyprofiled pair of walls defined by the inner edges of the limb portionsof the first clamping member.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the third embodiment of my clamping devicewill now be described, parts thereof corresponding to the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1-5 being denoted by the same reference numerals, but aredouble-primed.

The first U-shaped clamping member 2" has a yoke portion 4" with aprojection 7" formed integral therewith on the flat central uppersurface 40, flat surface preferably extending along the innerextremities of the upper surfaces of longitudinally extending limbportions 5",6. The upper surfaces of the outer extremities of limbportions 5",6." are beveled as designated at numerals 41,42 to definelongitudinally extending juncture lines 43,44 where the surface 40intersects surfaces 41,42.

Projection 7" integral with the upper surface 40 of yoke portion 4" hassawtooth profiles formed on walls 20",21" said walls having a dovetailconfiguration.

The second U-shaped clamping member 3" has a yoke portion 11 and a pairof longitudinally extending parallel limb portions 12",13" with sawtoothprofiles formed on inner walls 22",23". Walls 22",23 also are ofdovetail configuration for abutting engagement with walls 20",21" ofclamping member 2" whereby the two clamping members fit together inlocked superimposed relationship to provide a circular aperture forreceiving endotracheal tube 1.

Attachment band 10" is secured to clamping member 3" by use of opening46 formed in limb portion 12", as shown, or is secured by fusing orcementing the band to the clamping member. An opening 47 formed in limbportion 13" is adapted to receive the opposite end of attachment band10'', after passing about the back of the patients neck, and the freeend of band 10 impaled on the sharp projection 50 of cleat 52 or cleatedthereon.

A longitudinal line of weakness 15" is formed in the upper surface ofyoke 11 and, with reference to FIG. 7, permits facile breakage ofclamping member 3" at line of weakness 15" by the use ofjuncture lines43,44 which function as fulcrums about which limb portions 12",13 can bepivoted. Attachment band 10 effectively secures the fractured portionsof clamping member 3" to member 2" such that the clamp can be completelyand readily removed when desired.

Although the embodiment of my invention as described with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7 shows beveled upper surfaces 41,42 of limb portions 5",6",it will be understood that the under surfaces of the limb portions12",13" of clamping member 3" can be beveled in like manner, either inthe alternative to or in addition to the beveled upper surfaces oflimbportions 5",6, in order to provide facile breakage of clamping member3".

I claim:

l. A disposable clamp for holding an endotracheal tube, comprising:

a. a first U-shaped clamping member having a yoke portion and a pair oflongitudinally extending limb portions, a projection from said flatupper surface, the projection defining a first pair of longitudinallyextending walls of sawtooth profile and dovetail configuration;

b. a second U-shaped clamping member having a yoke portion and a pair oflongitudinally extending limb portions, the limb portions defining asecond pair of longitudinally extending walls of sawtooth profile anddovetail configuration engageable with said first pair of walls; and

c. said yoke portion and said limb portions of at least one clampingmember having a flat central surface and laterallly beveled limbsurfaces, the flat surface and beveled limb surfaces intersecting todefine a pair of longitudinally extending juncture lines, and saidsecond U-shaped clamping member having a flat central surface wherebyupon the clamping members being assembled to define between the yokeportions and limb portions an aperture for receiving the endotrachealtube, said clamping members being retained in assembled relation by themutual engagement of said pairs of longitudinally extending wallportions having said sawtooth profiles and dovetail configurations;

d. one of the clamping members has a line of weakness to permit said onemember to be broken readily in order to separate the clamping members bypivotal movement of said second clamping member limbs about thelongitudinally extending juncture lines.

2. A disposable clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein each clampingmember has means for securing an attachment band thereto.

3. A disposable clamp according to claim 1, wherein each clamping memberis formed with an integral tab for tying one end of an attachment bandthereto.

4. A disposable clamp according to claim 1, wherein the clamping membersare of moulded plastics material.

1. A disposable clamp for holding an endotracheal tube, comprising: a. afirst U-shaped clamping member having a yoke portion and a pair oflongitudinally extending limb portions, a projection from said flatupper surface, the projection defining a first pair of longitudinallyextending walls of sawtooth profile and dovetail configuration; b. asecond U-shaped clamping member having a yoke portion and a pair oflongitudinally extending limb portions, the limb portions defining asecond pair of longitudinally extending walls of sawtooth profile anddovetail configuration engageable with said first pair of walls; and c.said yoke portion and said limb portions of at least one clamping memberhaving a flat central surface and laterallly beveled limb surfaces, theflat surface and beveled limb surfaces intersecting to define a pair oflongitudinally extending juncture lines, and said second U-shapedclamping member having a flat central surface whereby upon the clampingmembers being assembled to define between the yoke portions and limbportions an aperture for receiving the endotracheal tube, said clampingmembers being retained in assembled relation by the mutual engagement ofsaid pairs of longitudinally extending wall portions having saidsawtooth profiles and dovetail configurations; d. one of the clampingmembers has a line of weakness to permit said one member to be brokenreadily in order to separate the clamping members by pivotal movement ofsaid second clamping member limbs about the longitudinally extendingjuncture lines.
 2. A disposable clamp as claimed in claim 1, whereineach clamping member has means for securing an attachment band thereto.3. A disposable clamp according to claim 1, wherein each clamping memberis formed with an integral tab for tying one end of an attachment bandthereto.
 4. A disposable clamp according to claim 1, wherein theclamping members are of moulded plastics material.